I don't mind worn coins one bit, but I really don't like the surfaces on this one, particularly on the obverse. Even if it was guaranteed authentic, personally I would pass.
Ketucky try FAC, they & the dealers there often have some good to fine Alexander Macedonian coins go for a decent price. Not this same example but I see several at different times. Some nice Philip also.
I seem to be in agreement with everyone else....I also have no problem with some wear on certain coins and ordinarily your OP coin may be worth about $40-$50.00 but the surface porosity would force me to pass on it---assuming it is genuine in the first place.
@Kentucky, what exactly are you looking for? Do you want a lifetime issue Alexander III or would you be okay with one struck by a successor or other later king? Are determined to get a tetradrachm, or would a drachm of the same general style be satisfying? How about a bronze issue? What is your budget for the coin? If you give us some specifics, maybe if any of us come across a candidate we can send you a private message with a link to the sale or auction, assuming your parameters are realistic.
I've kept one Tet with a similar low condition, but it has a counter mark on the reverse. May I ask whom that counter mark represent ? Thanks..
Interesting. I like countermark & over strike ancients they're equally difficult to interpretate. There is a web site for countermarks & who they represent. I can't think of it right off hand but sure TIF or JA or Alegandron could fill in there.
Have you looked on FAC, SNG. They're out there in much better shape than this in auctions. But like TIF said it depends on exactly what you want & how much money your willing to put down for one. At this point in my collecting I'm OK with a little wear on most type ancients but there are some I'm willing to hold off and pay more for a better coin that I want. It's purely up to you what quality you want for your collection.
Actually I collect a lot by what catches my eye or my fancy at the moment. I had wanted an Alexander Tet for awhile, but wasn't willing to put out the bucks. I finally ordered a cull Drachm from Museum Surplus or some such place as that. Petty sad coin, but if you hold it just right, you can make out Hercules and some seated figure on the reverse. This was followed by another Drachm with much better detail and finally a Tet from a pawn shop in Canada on e-bay. I paid $125 for the Tet and some on here said..."Pretty good coin". I also ordered one from the same shop that had a mintmark under the throne that looked like a Masonic symbol which I sold to a friend for what I paid. I was just looking on e-bay and saw this one going for $40 or so, so I put in a bid and got it for $58. Thought it wasn't too bad, when I get it in-hand, I'll try and do a photo.
